Rumours are a recent addition to Dauntless, and we have seen a lot of discussion about them. This post will be my take on what are the best -- and the worst -- aspects of this new type of a quest.

I will preface this by saying that I like the main idea behind the Rumours. I also find myself quite dissatisfied with some choices currently present in the system. This doesn't mean I hate the Rumours. I want the system improved, not removed -- and I hope this thread will help shine the light on some problematic elements of Rumours.

The Good

Gameplay Variety

Rumours are great at pushing players to do things they wouldn't normally do, and that alone is worth a commendation. These objectives are specific, sometimes weird or wacky, and they bring some freshness to the gameplay. I can always be sure that I will have to play the game differently just because I have a Rumour active.

Challenge-based Cosmetics

This type of rewards needs no introduction. Older players remember when games had these. Younger players have heard complaints that this doesn't happen anymore. The point is, giving us thematic challenges for cosmetics is cool. I am excited for more.

More objectives

If you are like me, sandbox gameplay without clear goals is not satisfying. And end-game Dauntless was often like that: login, then realise there is nothing clear to do. Mastery ticks and maybe just farming everything to max was as much as I had. But with Rumours? Yes, the objectives are not mind-blowing. Skins aren't, either. But they outline a clear goal. Something to focus on and do -- and they don't seem too expensive to create. A steady introduction of new Rumours over time sounds like a great way to keep people like me busy.

The Bad

Artificial burnout

You can only have one Rumour active at a time, and Rumours have a strict theme to their objectives. For example, Blaze Rezakiri Sword makes you face Blaze Rezakiri and use the Sword all the time. For multiple quests in a chain. If I could switch between Rumours to vary it up, this wouldn't be a problem. But I am locked into one, and the burnout hurts -- especially since some objectives are just tedious (50 enraged Sporestruck Charrogg part breaks, for example). Other elements of the game try to avoid burnout -- why do Rumours undo some of that work?

Lack of clarity

I don't know what types of objectives will the Rumour have. I don't know how many stages will the Rumour have. I don't know how many steps can I skip for platinum. I don't know the total price of bribing my way through the Rumour. This lack of clarity hurts my ability to make decisions and can cost me money.

Excessive exclusivity

I understand that the time-pressure is there to make skipping an actual option. But the ability to only progress one Rumour, and only if picked during a limited time-frame is a little excessive. Currently, Rumour rewards are mostly Escalation variant gear. Variants aren't going anywhere, so why would their Rumours? This exclusivity also makes artificial burnout a bigger problem. I am pushed to focus a Rumour much more than it is comfortable or enjoyable.

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